Guitar Center and Converse Team Up to Discover the Next Buzzworthy Independent Artist with Launch of “Get Out of the Garage”

Guitar Center and Converse Team Up to Discover the Next Buzzworthy Independent Artist with Launch of “Get Out of the Garage”

Through Get Out of the Garage, one deserving independent artist will get the chance to record an EP at Converse Rubber Tracks in Brooklyn collaborating with writer and producer Dev Hynes, known for his work as Blood Orange. The winning band will also take the stage in Austin at The FADER FORT presented by Converse in 2014, and be outfitted with new gear from Fender, Vox, Martin, Shure, Gretsch and Ernie Ball as well as receive digital distribution through Tunecore and be featured on the At: Guitar Center with Nic Harcourt podcast series. The FADER FORT Presented by Converse is the ultimate go-to location in Austin for fans to discover new music. A four-day event, The FADER FORT has established itself as a primary stomping ground for many then-unknowns such as Kendrick Lamar, Yelawolf, M.I.A., Florence and the Machine, Odd Future, Feist, Cold War Kids, Kid Cudi, The Black Keys and more.

How to Enter Unsigned artists nationwide can submit a recorded live performance or music video to the official Get Out of the Garage website. Submissions will be ranked based on social media interaction and the top bands from each week will be reviewed by a judging committee comprised of Dev Hynes and editorial staff members from respected music publication The Fader. Five finalists will be hand-picked to perform live at Converse Rubber Tracks in Brooklyn where one winner will be chosen."Working with new artists is something I'm always keen to do, free of jadedness and excitable with zero connotations in regards to experimentation,” said Dev Hynes. “If I could just help aid where they want to go somehow then I'll be extremely happy."

The Prize Package Includes

• A 3 Song EP produced by Dev Hynes at Converse Rubber Tracks in Brooklyn, NY.

Get Out of the Garage is an extension of Converse and Guitar Center’s ongoing collaboration to provide musicians with tools to pursue their musical aspirations. Fully equipped with the best instruments and equipment supplied by Guitar Center, Converse Rubber Tracks gives back to the creative community by encouraging up-and-coming musicians to further develop their sound and by providing an unparalleled recording facility that enables artists to unleash their creative spirit at no cost. It is also the home base for gear specific podcasts including Guitar Center’s Geek Out and Gear Talk.

“Guitar Center’s mission is to support musicians – whether by outfitting artists with top-of-the-line gear and impeccable style or providing a platform to share their music with large and influential audiences,” said Maria Brown, Manager of Music and Entertainment Marketing for Guitar Center. “We are excited to have a unique and fresh talent like Dev on board who has so much to offer artists in the independent music space. We couldn’t be happier with the collaborative aspect of this program.”

As the world’s largest retailer of musical instruments, Guitar Center is dedicated to supporting the global music community and providing musicians with opportunities to get their music heard. Guitar Center’s commitment to unsigned artists runs deep with a full calendar year of diverse programs aimed to enable musicians by providing the opportunity and exposure they need to be successful. No other retailer is developing platforms for their customers like Guitar Center. Guitar Center supports musicianship through many programs including, but not limited to, the award winning music television series Guitar Center Sessions, the weekly radio show Connections Made By Guitar Center, and the acclaimed podcast series At: Guitar Center with Nic Harcourt as well as various competition based programs such as Guitar Center Presents Your Next Record, Guitar Center Singer-Songwriter, Master Satriani, Guitar Center’s Drum-Off and Guitar Center On-Stage. Partners for Get Out of the Garage include: Converse, Fender, Martin, Vox, Shure, Gretsch, Zildjian, Evans, Pro-Mark, Ernie Ball, Dunlop, TuneCore and The Fader. ABOUT GUITAR CENTER Guitar Center is the world’s largest retailer of guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment. Our retail store subsidiary presently operates 224 Guitar Center stores across the U.S. We are also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the United States through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician's Friend, Inc., and its catalog and Web site, www.musiciansfriend.com. In addition, our Music & Arts division operates more than 100 stores specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and students. More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company's Web site at www.guitarcenter.com. ABOUT CONVERSE RUBBER TRACKS Converse Rubber Tracks is a state-of-the-art recording studio that is located in the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. The 5,200 square-foot, full-service recording space aims to support emerging artists by providing them access to a top-level recording studio at no cost. Artists and bands of all genres and ages from around the world are encouraged to apply and, upon acceptance, may reserve time in the studio to work alongside a team of experienced engineers. Fully equipped with the best instruments and equipment supplied by Converse Rubber Tracks partner Guitar Center, artists will spend time creating their work and in the end retain all the rights to their music. Through Converse Rubber Tracks, Converse is giving back to the creative community that has embraced the brand throughout its over 100 year history. Converse Rubber Tracks provides a platform for artists to unleash their creative spirit that will change the world. About The FADER, Inc. The FADER, Inc. consists of credible music and lifestyle-focused properties that speak to a combined audience of 2 million influential young adults monthly. Founded by Rob Stone and Jon Cohen, and led by President and Publisher Andy Cohn, The FADER, Inc. includes The FADER, TheFADER.com, 1200Squad.com, East Village Radio, Insound, AFROPUNK, Oh My Rockness, and The Cornerstone Mixtape. ###

Guitar Center Press Contact

Sarah Chavey Filter Creative Public Relations 313.407.7571
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